PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF ALEX-EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ABAKALIKI (AE-FUTHA), EBONYI STATE

Ngwu Justina*, Egede Oluchi Ugama, Nweze Marcel, Spoke Ifeanyi

Background: Healthcare professionals face a wide range of workplace hazards that threaten their health, safety, and ability to deliver quality care. In Nigeria, where occupational health systems remain underdeveloped, understanding the true burden of these hazards is essential for protecting the workforce. This study examined how common occupational hazards are among healthcare workers at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and explored factors that influence exposure to these risks. Methods: We employed a descriptive cross-sectional design and collected data from 116 healthcare professionals using a structured questionnaire. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across professional groups. The questionnaire captured information on socio-demographics, knowledge of workplace hazards, safety attitudes, protective practices, and types of hazards experienced. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall response rate was 53.0%, with dental professionals showing the highest participation (90.5%). Most respondents were aged 35–44 years (36.2%), female (63.8%), and had 1–5 years of work experience (39.7%). While knowledge of occupational hazards was good—69.0% were aware of workplace risks and 80.2% knew how to report hazards—knowledge gaps existed in handling hazardous materials (only 33.6% felt confident). Positive safety practices were common: 83.6% complied with standard operating procedures and 67.2% used personal protective equipment appropriately. However, exposure to hazards remained high. The most frequently reported hazards were disinfectants and cleaning agents (44.0%), prolonged standing (40.5%), contact with blood and body fluids (38.8%), long work hours (37.1%), and work-related stress (33.6%). Significant associations emerged between professional cadre and hazard types (χ²=15.42, p=0.017), gender and biological hazard exposure (χ²=4.89, p=0.027), and years of experience and ergonomic hazards (χ²=18.33, p<0.001). Logistic regression identified female gender (AOR=1.41, p=0.042), dental profession (AOR=0.66, p=0.025), and 6–10 years of experience (AOR=1.67, p=0.010) as significant predictors of hazard exposure. Conclusion: Occupational hazards remain prevalent among healthcare professionals in this setting, even among those with good knowledge and safety practices. The findings point to the need for targeted interventions that address cadre-specific risks, support mid-career workers, and strengthen institutional safety systems. Without such measures, the health and wellbeing of healthcare workers—and ultimately the quality of patient care—will remain at risk.